China to meet with Dalai Lama representative: Xinhua

April 27, 2008

April 25, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — Chinese officials will meet soon with a representative
of the Dalai Lama, state-run Xinhua news agency reported Friday, in what
would be the first known encounter since last month's deadly unrest.

"In view of the requests repeatedly made by the Dalai side for resuming
talks, the relevant department of the central government will have
contact and consultation with Dalai's private representative in the
coming days," Xinhua said, quoting an unidentified Chinese official.

China has come under intense foreign pressure to hold talks with the
exiled Tibetan spiritual leader since rioting erupted in the regional
capital Lhasa last month and spread to other areas populated by Tibetans.

Beijing, which will host the Olympics Games in August, has so far
resisted the pressure and accused the Dalai Lama of instigating the
violence.

"It is hoped that through contact and consultation, the Dalai side will
take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China, stop
plotting and inciting violence and stop disrupting and sabotaging the
Beijing Olympic Games so as to create conditions for talks," the
official said.

China's critics accuse Beijing of severe political and religious
oppression since it took firm control of the region six decades ago, a
charge it strongly denies.

The Dalai Lama fled the region in 1959 and went into exile in India
after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.